Senior Fitness Assessment – Fall Prevention

Senior Fitness Assessment – a comprehensive physical evaluation for people aged 60+

The Senior Fitness Assessment is designed for individuals aged 60 and over who want to gain a better understanding of their physical condition. The program includes physical fitness tests and concludes with a consultation with a physiotherapist, who develops a personalized home exercise plan.

Why is it important?

Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to maintain independence and prevent health deterioration in older adults. It positively affects:

• the cardiovascular and respiratory systems,

• muscle strength and joint mobility,

• and plays a key role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Good physical fitness after the age of 60 means not only a better quality of life, but most importantly – greater safety.

What does the Senior Fitness Assessment include?

The program consists of:

• Physiotherapy interview

• Forearm strength test using a dynamometer

• Balance assessment – Functional Reach Test

• Berg Balance Scale

• Fullerton Test – a set of 6 exercises assessing endurance, strength and flexibility of the upper and lower body, agility, and balance

At the end of the one-hour session, the physiotherapist:

• reviews and explains the test results,

• provides a written summary report,

• and demonstrates specialist exercises to be done at home.

Benefits of the Senior Fitness Assessment:

Through physiotherapy-led testing, seniors receive an assessment of their overall physical fitness, muscle strength, motor coordination, and potential balance issues. The final report includes recommendations to improve physical ability and reduce the risk of falls.

Regularly performing exercises selected by a qualified Rehasport physiotherapist can help lower the risk of falls – one of the leading causes of injury in seniors. These falls may result in soft tissue damage, hematomas, or even concussions. However, the most dangerous outcome is bone fractures – especially hip fractures. Treatment in such cases is often long and complex, and the consequences can be severe.

Test Preparation

Please wear comfortable, preferably sportswear that allows for free movement and proper performance of the tests.